Network Components and their functions By Travis Halsell LTEC 4550 – 020

Technologies to be covered  Hub  Switch  Router  Bridge  Gateway  Firewall  Wireless AP

Hub  A network hub is a device that has multiple ports and is used to transmit data from one device to another. Copies packets from one port to another.  A hub might be used to connected two or more PCs together so they can communicate.  Hubs typically range in price anywhere from $20 to $60 Image from: le.com/support/technical_ articles/networks_untangle d_1.php Image from: com.au/hire/image/cache/ data/Network_HUB_with- 800x800.jpg

Switch Image from: kODPrei31eM/UdwFrPFs9UI /AAAAAAAAAWA/hvnhCw2 HakY/s1600/network_switc h.jpg Image from: images/content/ jpg  Not to be confused with a hub, a Switch connects multiple devices together on a network. The difference between the two are that instead of copying packets, the switch forwards and filters data from one location to another. Switches are inherently faster and can handle more devices.  A switch might be used to connect multiple PCs and devices on a network such as printers and IP phones.  Switches typically range in price anywhere from $20 to $8,000+

Router  A router forwards data packets through a network much like a network switch, however Routers are located at the network gateway where two or more networks meet. Additionally, routers can act as a firewall.  A router is most commonly used at the consumer level for home networks that connect to the internet.  Routers can range anywhere from $30 to $400 Image from: ore/ large/cisco- linksys-wrt54gl-wireless-g- linux-based-router-price-in- india.jpg Image from: /library/media/1033/wind owsxp/images/using/netwo rking/setup/68573-router- diagram.gif

Bridge  A bridge is essentially what it sounds like. It provides a bridge or connection between two LAN segments.  A network bridge might be used when you have a wireless LAN and a wired LAN. The bridge would allow communication between a wireless device and a wired device.  Bridges can come in either software or hardware form. Hardware bridges can range in price anywhere from $40 to $200+ Image from: ogspot.com/2010/04/introd uction-to-network- concepts-i.html Image from: org/wikipedia/commons/th umb/e/e8/Network_Bridgin g.png/400px- Network_Bridging.png

Gateway  A network gateway is a system that is capable of joining two networks together that use different protocols.  A gateway is most commonly used when connecting a Local Area Network to the internet.  Gateways can come in either software or hardware form and typically range in price from $100 to $16,000+ Image from: rdpress.com/2008/08/gate way.png Image from: /default/files/XBT2- GATEWAY.jpg

Firewall Image from: com/userfiles/image/3/ gif  A firewall is a network security device that filters unwanted traffic from entering the network.  Firewalls are typically used on any network that connects to the internet.  Firewalls can come in either software or hardware form and typically range in price from $100 to $14,000+ Image from: /howto/graphics/ zywallusg100_original.jpg

Wireless AP  A wireless AP is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to the network.  Wireless Access points are used in any situation where the administrators want their network to be accessed wirelessly.  Wireless Access points range in price anywhere from $40 to $3000+ Image from: ets/prod/wl/img/ap600oe_ large_photo.jpg Image from: om/wp- content/uploads/2007/07/ access_point.gif

Network Diagram